Juice warning issued

Consumers are warned not to drink Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant blend frozen berry mix that was sold at Costco in Kalispell, the Flathead County Health Department has warned. The product has been linked to at least 49 hepatitis A illnesses in seven states.

The company has recalled the product and it has been pulled from shelves, however 327 units were sold between May 13 and May 31. Consumers who purchased the product can contact Costco for a refund.

Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can last a few weeks and up to several months. The disease can be contracted when an infected food handler prepares food without proper hygiene. Although it can cause severe illness, nearly everyone who contracts the disease recover completely with no liver damage.

The disease can cause fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine and pale stool.

Vaccination can prevent the illness if given with two weeks of an exposure. Anyone who consumed the product should consult his or her doctor to determine if vaccination is warranted.